Time-honored Atlas silk, national treasure, international fashion. In the hands of a young Uygur designer, this traditional fabric is transformed into stylish garments that dazzle the world with their unique feel.

As a child in rural Xinjiang, Arzugul Dulat dreamed of becoming a teacher. Today, though she doesn't stand at a classroom podium, she tells her hometown's story to a wider audience through the language of fashion.

Her career is thriving, but she never forgot her postponed dreams of college and teaching. Now, fashion is helping her fulfill them, one stitch at a time...■